The Anatomy of Speed

Book excerpt: Speed is the most mythical of human capabilities. From elementary school playground races to 40-yard dashes at the NFL Combine, speed has long been the gold standard for athletic performance. But for as long as it's been admired and obsessively pursued, a true understanding of speed has remained elusive ... until now. The Anatomy of Speed is a book like no other. Equal parts science, application, and art, it takes you inside speed: how it is generated, how it is exhibited, and, most importantly, how you can better develop it. Detailed photos, enhanced by hand-drawn anatomical artwork, allow you to experience the multiple anatomical systems that need to work together, in highly coordinated unison, to create these abilities: Acceleration, Maximum velocity, Deceleration, Change of direction, Agility, Maneuverability, Speed-specific strength You'll then delve deeper as one of the world's experts on speed training, Bill Parisi, translates the "why" into the "how" through in-depth interviews with top experts and researchers in the field. You will learn which drills and exercises are most effective for strengthening key muscles and how sequencing can dramatically improve training outcomes. You'll even find programming menus to create individualized training for your athlete's goals. The Anatomy of Speed will forever change the way you see, assess, and train for speed. If you are serious about performance, this is one book you cannot be without. Book jacket.